No.Gibson, like most businessmen is ruthless and puts the club first before any player, and he's completely right to do so.
If what Downing said about being promised the offer of a new contract if he signed the waiver is true then yes it should have been honoured, but Downings' idea of a 'reduced contract' may not have been what the club had in mind. For all we know, he may have only been offered 5k a week and turned it down, for the club to then say 'well that's the only offer you're getting, so take it or leave it'.
As for his comments about receiving an amazing reception on his return, maybe if he'd have gotten his head down and put in the effort fans would have been more appreciative of him during his time here. Brilliant player for us during his first stint but very underwhelming second time around.
He may not have stormed out the club claiming to jack it in but I still to this day believe he helped to cause the unharmony within the dressing room. He came out and admitted himself that he and Karanka didn't see eye to eye.No.
Thats completely unfair.
Stewart, unfortunately, couldnt play all 10 outfield positions at once.
He didnt storm out the club claiming he was going to jack it in, when the going got tough!
He stayed with us.
Bully for Stewart!
He dropped into the championship because we offered him a contract that he couldnt get anywhere else, not because of his love for the clubStewart Downing has always been and always will be testament to Middlesbrough, the town and the football club academy. His contribution to our history is immense. He went on to play for England 35 times - which doesnt happen by accident.
He only ever dropped into the Championship to play for the Boro.
None of us know what goes on behind the scenes.
He helped us get back up into the Premiership.
He was more talented than some of those around him and was left taking the flack for those far less competent - Manager(s) included.
Some Managers are more focused blind allegiance to tactics and not getting the best out of players. You only have to look at the last five years to prove that.
You get a decent manager - and players want to come to a club to play for them. Players under one Manager may seem little more than "average".
The right Manager can turn average players into winners - Ask Neil Warnock!
Can you prove that?He dropped into the championship because we offered him a contract that he couldnt get anywhere else, not because of his love for the club
We will have to agree to differ.He may not have stormed out the club claiming to jack it in but I still to this day believe he helped to cause the unharmony within the dressing room. He came out and admitted himself that he and Karanka didn't see eye to eye.
As for him playing 10 outfield positions at once, he was given a fair crack at playing in his preferred position as a no 10 by Karanka and he was completely underwhelming. I dislike Ramirez but he came in and showed Downing up.
Impossible to prove if he did or didnt, but you would be naive to think he would move here for a love of the club, as I doubt many players would. Doubt he had many long term offers on the table in EnglandCan you prove that?
Timing seems strange, either say something when its happened or when he is retired, dont know why he would say anything now when he has a contract with another clubThis is all very distasteful and Downing must know that the club won't comment on personal contractual matters. We have no way of ascertaining the truth.
The quote below doesn't make for good reading. I don't like how he said 'played against them'.He’s never loved the boro anyway. He’s a Spurs fan. He wanted to come back as it’s home. He comes accross very bitter here.